Tim Thomas may sign with Suns

PHOENIX (AP) -- A day after he was waived by the Chicago Bulls, Tim Thomas watched Phoenix practice on Thursday and appeared ready to sign with the Suns today. "In the event that Tim Thomas clears waivers, I hope to work something out with Phoenix," his agent Arn Tellem said in a statement released by his office. It's unlikely a team would claim the 6-foot-10 forward off waivers because he is owed about $5 million of his $13.9 million contract for this season. The waiver period ends Friday afternoon, and a deal with the Suns is anticipated shortly thereafter. In that event, the Bulls would be liable for Thomas' old contract, and the Suns could sign him for a minimum deal that covers the remainder of the season. Suns optimistic "We're just really interested in him," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni told The Associated Press. "With the injuries that we have and his talent, and it's kind of odd that he's out there, we have to pursue the scenario and see if it works out. We think it will." Phoenix wants Thomas to help fill the void left by the injury to forward-center Kurt Thomas, who could miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his right foot. The Bulls acquired Tim Thomas from New York in the Eddy Curry trade in early October. But Thomas played only three games, averaging 4.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 10.7 minutes, then complained about his role and was sent home by the organization. Thomas' salary proved to be an insurmountable obstacle to a trade. He was waived on Wednesday, the deadline for him to be eligible to sign with another team this season.

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